Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"End of the Rainbow" is a poem by Randall Jarrell, first published in his 1960 collection, "The Lost World." The poem reflects on the idea of the end of the rainbow, a common symbol of hope and optimism.

Explanation:

The poem describes the speaker's search for the end of the rainbow, and the disappointment that comes when it cannot be found. The speaker reflects on the idea of the rainbow as a symbol of hope, and on the difficulty of finding hope in a world that is often dark and difficult.

Poetic Elements:

• Form:
• "End of the Rainbow" is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. The lack of formal structure allows the poem to flow freely and express the speaker's search for hope and meaning in an open and unstructured way.
• Imagery:
• Jarrell uses vivid imagery to create a sense of the search for the end of the rainbow, describing the way the speaker moves "over mountains and rivers" and through "forests and fields" in search of it. The image of the rainbow itself is also vividly portrayed, with its colors and shimmering beauty.
• Metaphor:
• The poem employs the metaphor of the rainbow as a symbol of hope and optimism, contrasting it with the darkness and despair of the world. The search for the end of the rainbow is also used as a metaphor for the search for meaning and purpose in life.
• Tone:
• The tone of the poem is melancholy and reflective, with a sense of resignation and acceptance underlying it. The speaker recognizes the difficulty of finding hope and meaning in the world, but remains committed to the search nonetheless.

Conclusion:

Through "End of the Rainbow," Jarrell explores the complexities of hope and the difficulty of finding meaning and purpose in life. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of persevering in the face of adversity, even when the end result may not be what we had hoped for.

Poem Snippet:

"Over mountains and rivers, the road goes on

Till we find what we are looking for;

But over forests and fields and under the moon

We look for the end of the rainbow and find it never,

Or find it too late and it's gone."